What Sets Chinese Painting Apart From Western Painting

Because of different instruments, materials andwhich are found also found in Chinese calligraphy.
cultural background, Chinese paintings have theirThus, all Chinese paintings whether they are
own image and content in comparison to otherlandscapes or the human figure are painted with
types of paintings. Unique appearance of Chinesethe same movement, rhythm, and harmony that
Painting owes much to the use of the Chineseis used when drawing the forms of calligraphy.
writing brush and the Chinese paper (rice and silk).Calligraphy is a form of art, even more revered
There are four essential elements used in theand honored than all other painting.
creation of Chinese Painting, the brush, ink, paper,In the same theme they may spend hours
and the ink stone. Lacking any of them the jobcontemplating and drawing inspiration from the
cannot be done.figures of nature such as humming birds with their
The most important factors for Chinese Paintingfragile wings, the robust legs of the cricket, and
are the special pedagogy, the close relationshipthe fascinating form of the praying mantis. From
with the painter's personality and the uniquethe minor or simple creatures that are chosen as
Chinese philosophy. They are trained not only tosubjects of art work, we can see how they
convey the objects but also express the moodenjoy the nature and the love they devote to the
and the spirit of the subject. The Chinese alsomost humble things.
believe that the painting is the expression of theThe Chinese painter finds it offensive to
painter's knowledge and temperament. In thiscontemplate and draw the human figure by itself.
way, Chinese Painting becomes something muchHuman beings are part of the surrounding
more than art.heavens and earth. They are all together. That is
The most essential philosophy of China is thewhy Chinese paintings are simple in composition
unity of Heaven, Earth and Human Beings. Whatand full of harmony, overall balance and peace
the Chinese Painters are trying to express is notwith all of creation. They are interested in the
what meets the eye, but their attitude to themood and spirit.
Great Nature. The Chinese painter has a profoundCopyright 2004 © Ernesto Apomayta
love and admiration for nature. It is part of theirPublishing guidelines: You may publish my article in
culture, religious practices and their need toyour newsletter, on your website, or in your print
depend on nature to survive.publication provided you include the resource box
In relationship to human and animal figures, theat the end. Notification would be appreciated but is
Chinese painter utilizes the forms he finds innot required.
nature, such as ovals, circles, and geometric lines